The Jack Rose Cocktail

This classic is made with a base of the famous Laird’s Apple Jack. William Laird built the Colt’s Neck Inn, in Monmouth New Jersey in 1717. His son Robert supplied “Cyder Spirits” to George Washington’s troops during the Revolutionary War. The Laird family established America’s 1st licensed commercial distillery in Scobeyville, NJ in 1780. Laird’s is still owned by the Laird family today and still produces their famous Apple Jack.

The naming of the Jack Rose Cocktail has many legends. One account claims it to be the namesake of gangster Bald Jack Rose, another says the name comes from the pink color of the Jacquemot Rose. More likely the obvious “Jack” in Apple Jack and pretty Rose color of the finished cocktail elicited the name.

Another key to making a proper Jack Rose Cocktail is having real Grenadine Syrup. Today’s red colored sugar water is not the same as the original grenadine made from Pomegranates. We offer you the Jack Rose Cocktail recipe below as well as a recipe for home-made Grenadine Syrup. Give Jack a try and step back in time to the Classic Cocktail era.

The Jack Rose Cocktail

In a Shaker Glass Filled with Ice

1 Jigger Laird’s Applejack

Juice of ½ Lime

½ Ounce Grenadine

Shake and Strain into a Chilled Cocktail Glass. Garnish with a Lime.

How to Make Real Grenadine

1 Quart Pomegranate Juice

2 cups demurra sugar (plain white will do)

2 Dashes Rose Flower Water (Optional)

Bring Pomegranate Juice and Sugar (Rose Flower Water) to a Boil. Reduce Heat, Cover and Simmer for 15 Minutes. Let cool and put into a sealed glass bottle. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.